The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has released a pamphlet summarizing the science behind actions law enforcement agencies can take to improve officer safety and wellness. The pamphlet, entitled “Protecting Our Protectors: Using Science to Improve Officer Safety and Wellness,” …
Most of us don’t think about sidewalks; their practical convenience is virtually invisible to us, but they can be a potential cause of both liability and workers’ compensation claims. Local governments own and maintain miles of sidewalk that are used …
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken steps to align their Hazard Communication Standards, first issued in 1983, with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA’s Hazard Communications Standards (HCS) were developed to …
A community volunteer program allows a public entity to utilize the talents, skills, and knowledge of volunteers to supplement the efforts of staff. Efforts to engage the community in local government operations will help to educate the public and gain …
Read More › “Volunteers can help enhance an entity's performance”
Last year VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) made available $200,000 in Risk Management Grant funding. Funds were depleted within the first three months of the program, setting another record for grant distribution. Beginning July 1 VMLIP will again begin accepting …
Did you know that falls are the leading unintentional injury and account for more than 8.7 million emergency room visits each year in the United States? One in every three adults age 65 and older falls each year. This information …
Read More › “You could "fall" head over heels for our new video!”
In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside/other fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Hospital rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for firework related injuries, …
Each year 74 deaths occur and 25,000 people receive emergency treatment as a result of riding lawn mower activities, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. Using mowers at work is quite different from using them at home. On …
Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes – “oh my.” Last year in Virginia we experienced each of these. Hurricane season started June 1, and while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a near-normal hurricane season this year, “near-normal” still means …
From the Federal Emergency Management Agency: Hurricane Season begins June 1, 2012, FEMA is providing additional tools for federal, state, local, tribal and territorial officials to alert and warn the public about severe weather. Using the Commercial Mobile Alert System, …
Read More › “FEMA Urges Preparedness for Hurricanes and Severe Weather”
Today we are sharing an article prepared by Safety Manager Tim Byrd of the Henry County Public Service Authority. This member has remained accident free for one year – a goal all members should strive for. Do you have any …
Read More › “Guest contributor Tim Byrd shares success of one year without injuries”
Picture this – your police officer stops a car for speeding and reckless driving. The driver refuses to sign a summons. The driver becomes argumentative and exits the vehicle with a towel draped over their arm. The driver attempts to …
Read More › “Lawsuits mitigated through VMLIP body camera initiative”
Having a safe and efficient means of leaving a building or facility can enable people to successfully escape the building in an emergency. Panic, confusion, poor visibility, and lack of information frequently cause more injuries and fatalities than actual workplace …
Many Virginia entities hire teenagers as temporary employees during the summer season. For many teens, summer employment will be one of their first jobs. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 70 teenagers will die …
In 2010, work zone crashes killed 576 people and injured approximately 37,000. While road work is a dangerous occupation, the fact is that 85 to 90 percent of those killed in these crashes were drivers and their passengers. April 23 …
Each year, more than 200,000 children go to emergency rooms with injuries associated with playground equipment. Most injuries occur when a child falls from the equipment onto the ground. The combination of regular use along with changing weather conditions creates …
The following article, shared with permission by Risk Management Services of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, provides an overview of a recent court decision ruling that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has the right to subpoena safety audits …
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, are you ready to spread the message with your drivers and employees? VML Insurance Programs wants to remind everyone that driving distracted can be deadly by sharing the message of DRIVE SMART Virginia: “Buckle Up, Phone …
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There has been a lot of buzz lately over tires. It seems like even touching them is regulated by some federal agency or another. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its tire servicing materials to address current …
Tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes – oh my! All three of the mentioned above natural disasters hit Virginia in 2011. This morning staff at VML Insurance Programs participated in the Virginia statewide tornado drill, taking cover in a downstairs hallway. Tornado …
Read More › “Protect Yourself During an Earthquake… Drop, Cover, and Hold On!”
Over the past five years VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) estimates that more than 6,300 slip, trip, and fall claims have been filed from our more than 460 members. Nationally, almost one in every five work-related injuries is a result of …
April showers bring May flowers? In Virginia rainfall amounts actually peak in July, however with spring advancing now is a good time to think about educating your drivers about how to change their habits during rainy weather conditions. Rainy weather …
Between Feb. 28 and March 3 two storms delivered numerous tornadoes throughout the United States, including an EF1 tornado with 86 – 110 mph winds which struck the Ewing area of Lee County in Southwest Virginia. The storms pushed through …
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 15,000 welding equipment-related eye injuries a year, with power tools coming in second at nearly 10,000 injuries per year. March is Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month, a …
Each year, distracted driving is responsible for a greater number of car crashes and a greater number of deaths on Virginia’s roadways. More drivers are distracted and whether it’s their phone, eating, or changing the radio, the results can be …
Read More › “Get ready for Distracted Driving Awareness Month”